Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Hello all and sorry for the delay...technical issues at the Worldwide Leader.... ok, let's get going...

Watson (Rapid City, SD)

If DeRosa goes to the Mets, how does that affect his value?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

I don't think it does, really. DeRosa is a good buy low guy because he's going to hit, and whether it's in Cleveland, New York or somewhere else, he'll still hit. Love the versatility.

Keith (Oxford, MI)

Soto or Wieters in a 10-team H2H for the rest of the season? I have Wieters but Soto is available on waivers. Thank you.

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

The big news of the day is the pending callup of Matt Wieters. I think there are only three catchers I would rather have for the rest of the season: Mauer, Victor Martinez and McCann. That's it. So yes, I would take Wieters over Soto and Russ Martin and Bengie Molina and everyone else. I'd be shocked if he isn't a terrific hitter in the bigs right away, and probably Rookie of the Year as well.

Jay El (Harlem)

Eric, hope you haven't gone K-Rod on us. My money is on J.P. Howell over Wheeler for the Rays closer. Lefties are tattooing Wheeler to the tune of .348, 4HR.

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

I would go with Howell and Vulcan Joe Nelson over Wheeler, but I don't think Joe Maddon will do that. It's unusual for lefties to get a chance to close. Yes, Wheeler does give up the long ball frequently, but he's got that immeasurable "experience" managers like.

Michael (Toronto)

I know you believe in Manny. Is Abreu Meche for Manny too much to give up? 12-team deep mixed league. I picked up Blackburn. Am first by a lot in steals. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Too much? Not even close to too much. Manny is a monster. In our mid-May rankings I had him ranked the best of the group, and think he'll be a terrific four-category fantasy option from July 3 on. Abreu just hit his first home run and Meche looks hurt. Not even close.

Dave (Ann Arbor)

Is there any chance Soriano will actually get starts at second in the next few weeks with all the Cub injuries?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Yes, the fact that Lou Piniella now has Jake Fox at his services is a clear sign that he's going to play, and Fox certainly can't man second base. He probably can't play left field either, but first base is generally taken. I don't know why Fox, who was the best hitter in the minors this season with a .423 average and huge power, would have been promoted to sit on the bench. He's not Brandon Wood. Whether that displaces Soriano I can't guess, but I'd think Fox gets some starts at 3B and 1B as well.

Philip (Philadelphia)

First off, I agree with your take on Lidge. He really needs to go on the DL. That knee isn't right. Now my fantasy question is do you know how much longer Soria is going to be out? Aardsma is doing a good job for me, but I want Soria back and my DL spot.

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

In my Relief Efforts column posted today, I surmised exactly that about Lidge. Why does nobody ever talk about the sore knee? I think when JC Romero comes back to add depth to the bullpen then we might see Madson close and Lidge DLed. As for Soria, should be back Friday. Aardsma is doing fine, so you might want to sell high on Soria if you can.

Nick (MI)

Assuming he gets eligibility is Zobrist a good option at 2B the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I think Zobrist is a good option at any position at this point. He can play SS and OF, and with 8 homers and the likelihood he reaches 20, I wouldn't worry about 2B so much. In fact, I bet Zobrist plays mostly in right field from here on out. He might not become eligible at 2B at all.

Troy (Toronto)

Is there any point in holding onto BJ RYAN or Troy PERCIVAl in a deep league? My bullpen is a bit shaky with FRANKLIN, SHERRIL, and STREET.

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

It's not that shaky, really. Franklin and Street are top-15 closers now, somewhat by default. And Sherrill has turned things around. No need to own BJ Ryan, as his velocity is way down and it would be unlikely he closes again. With Percival, who is contemplating retirement, if he returns I'd think it would be to close, and he'd get the chance. So it's tough to cut him in a deep format.

Liriano Owner

i hate him. Thats all i wanted to say.

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Can't blame you, but you gotta wait a bit longer for Francisco. He's got the ability to turn things around and be very, very good, and very, very fast.

Don (NJ)

Ugh! Chris Davis! Sure he hit 2 bombs last night, but am I going to have to put up with this all season?? I figured hed hit like .270, not .210!

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

I figured he'd hit more like .240, but let's not assume he can't do that or make it to .270 either. The Rangers have a big-time power hitter here, a Ryan Howard type with the whiffs, but he could raise the average.

Paul (Baltimore)

Should I pick up Fox and drop someone like Fred Lewis or G. Parra?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

I don't know about dumping Lewis. He plays everyday and can steal bases, hit for average. He's certainly safer than Fox. Look, Fox has legit power. So does Matt LaPorta, who was up a month, hit one homer and now is back in the minors. Fox has upside but be cautious in who you dump to get him.

Cameron in Atlanta, GA

Joe Blanton tossed seven 7.1 scoreless with 11 Ks (career-high). Supposedly found a mechanical flaw. I know he had been one of the unluckiest pitchers so far. Any chance last night was a sign of things to come?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Absolutely could be a sign of things to come. He had I think an entire scoreless month a few seasons back in Oakland. He's a contact pitcher, so in general it will be tough for him to accrue strikeouts like that regularly, but is he a worthy 4th or 5th starter in 12-team leagues. Yeah, probably.

Ted (Tampa)

Re Paul from Baltimore's question about Fox, what about Parra, would you drop him for Fox?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Parra isn't playing as much as when he was recalled, and he's not a power guy or major speed demon anyway. Look for him to be back in the minors soon as long as Chris Young hits some.

David Wright

Where oh where could my power be...The Lord took it away from me...Will I get my power back and would you trade Reynolds, Abreu (sitting on bench), and Aramis for me?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

I like that song. No, I would not trade Wright for that package. Serious concerns about Aramis Ramirez hitting for power the rest of the season with that serious shoulder injury. And Wright will hit. Maybe not 30 homers, but 20.

Eric (OH)

I just read your Relief Efforts piece and picked up on the potential trade of Valverde once he is healthy. I currently have him stashed on my DL and was able to pick up Aardsma in his place. Who would you rather have the rest of the way: Valverde or Aardsma?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

I would say Valverde because he is more proven, and the Astros have no reason to remove him from the role when healthy. Aardsma has never had sustained success like this in the bigs before, plus the Mariners have a number of kids they might simply want to try out in the role (Morrow again, Aumont, Fields).

Alexei Ramirez (CHI)

I'm bringing sexy back

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

I kept this guy active in at least 3 or 4 leagues that I know of. Glad I did. Continue to buy low on a young Soriano.

Evan (Concord)

Hey Eric. When does luck start to become skill? For example..maybe a low BABIP means that a pitcher pitches to weak contact...a high strand rate means he does well in clutch situations? Just wondering because I currently have two pitchers (Jurrjens and Volstad) that everyone is suggesting to sell high. What's your thinking??

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I agree with you, Evan. We use those numbers as a guide to predict performance, but the fact is "luck" doesn't have to even out, ever. Jurrjens isn't a strikeout guy at all but he sure knows what he's doing, no? Groundball pitchers like Jair and Volstad kinda break the mold, but there will be times they get shelled, too. Also, the strand rate can speak to a strong middle relief corps, which doesn't have to change.

Fletch (Los Angeles)

kbell, how long a leash do the (Devil) Rays give David Price? Well they be satisfied with k/bb ratios around 2?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

It's one outing. The best is yet to come. It would take a month of walking hitters to get him demoted again. They'll fix him and the numbers will be very, very good.

George (NY)

Drop Galarraga for one of these pitchers? J Pineiro, S Richmond, D Bush. R Porcello.

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

I would probably cut him for any of these guys, but Porcello is the one who is special. Check his May numbers. He's legit, and in time he will also strike out many hitters. Love how the Tigers are handling him. The other pitchers aren't much different than Galaragga, they're just pitching better right now.

Alfonso Soriano (Chi-Town)

Seriously, am I going to play second base?? The Yanks didn't think I could play there.

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

You can't play second base well. Anyone CAN technically play second base. Andy Sonnanstine could. But he wouldn't play it well. Neither will Soriano, but the Cubs can't score runs so they're desperate to get good bats in the lineup, not mess around anymore with Fontenot and Scales.

gabriel martin (Toronto)

I have Porcello and Hanson but I'm coveting Clay Buch should I drop either for him? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I wouldn't. Porcello is for real, and I trust him more than those other guys. Hanson could wash out, you know. I think he will be very good, but it might not be until July. And Buchholz is dominating in the minors, but check his Red Sox stats in 2008. No sure thing. Huge upside, but Porcello is there already.

Pat Burrell

Assuming I get myself off the DL, am I better than Adam Lind from here on out?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

I'm going to say no. I do think Burrell will hit, but take the under on 25 homers at this point. Lind is a 25-90 guy right now and he won't hit .255 either.

Dave (Va)

What's up EK? In a league which uses OBP instead of AVG, would you rather have Matt Kemp or Grady Sizemore the rest of the way, even if Sizemore hits the DL.

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Gotta still say Sizemore, but the lead is shrinking on that one. It's a shame when injuries just ruin a season, isn't it?

Cameron in Atlanta, GA

I am streaming in my last pitchers spot with mixed results. Would you own Porcello and quit streaming? Obviously, he is young and is going to be up and down. Also, I would be starting less games a week. H2H.

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

I think Porcello has graduated past the spot of streaming. He's worth owning and starting every time. Should get another win today.

Cameron in Atlanta, GA

You really like DiFilice and Leo Nunez more than Villanueva? He has been hot lately and is next in line for save if Hoffman needs a day off.

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I don't see Hoffman needing many days off. I like Villanueva as well. I think DiFelice might cool off soon, and Nunez is next in line for a prime save chance.

Nick (Bos)

Is this the part of the movie where Carlos Quentin and his plantar fasciitis turn into Chris Kaman and his?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

I sure hope not. Quentin is a legit 35-110 guy but obviously he can't hit through this pain. It would be worth it for him to sit for a few weeks if we get a good second half from him.

Garrett(Miami,Florida)

I currently have Mike Napoli at my catcher position. Should I drop him for Matt Wieters???

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I would.

Matt (Fort Collins)

Is the sprained ankle just enough to derail Bartlett or do you think he gets it back when he returns? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I think it's premature to assume Bartlett is bothered by this injury long-term. Let's hope the best SS in fantasy - OK, just statistically so far - can continue to hit for power and run.

Donnie (MA)

If you were to trade for Jose Reyes right now, what is the most you would give up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

C'mon. I am going to assume Reyes returns in 10 days and becomes the top-5 player we all thought he would be. He just needs to get healthy. If I need steals and a SS, I'd pay a lot.

Bjorn (Scarborough, ME)

Any chance we see Brandon Wood again this season? I'd sure like to see the Red Sox trade for him...

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I would like to see any team trade for him. It's not criminal what the Angels are doing to him, but just a shame he can't get a legit chance. He'd hit 30 homers right now. He might hit .240, but Mark Reynolds has a job, doesn't he? Who knows on Wood. Red Sox could use him at SS.

Bill (memphis, tn)

How about Porcello vs. Price this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

I will take Porcello. But both will be good.

Collin (Tulsa)

EK!!!! Love the chat and columns, and Baseball today podcast! Off the top of your head... which closers are prime trade bait between now and the deadline?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

I would say Sherrill is the most obvious one, but also Valverde, Huston Street and maybe Ziegler. The A's have to know Ziegler isn't their future closer.

Mark (NY)

Sheffield has been fantastic lately and it seems that he'll have a regular gig if he continues to hit, right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

He'll probably have a regular gig now whether he hits or not, but it is nice that he's doing well. I've always liked Sheffield. HIs recent power surge is a surprise, though.

Jason (Canton, MI)

EK- Would you start either Kershaw and Jimenez tonight in Colorado? I have both and not sure about starting either.

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

Not a big fan of either of them right now, to be honest. But each is capable of a big strikeout performance.

Greg (Denver, CO)

With Sizemore ailing, does Crowe get enough ABs to make an impact in Mixed Leagues?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

I have Crowe in a deep league so I hope so, but I think he is viewed as a fourth outfielder type and no more.

Kevin (RI):

You mentioned trading Soria earlier. Is Soria for Pedroia too little?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Depends totally on need. I would never trade a top-25 hitter for any closer, but someone else might.

Jon

Rank 'em - Lackey, Shields, Wakefield & Kershaw

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Same order you did.

Anthony (Cali)

Doug Davis will be a top _____ pitcher at years end?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

75? OK, maybe 50.

Dan (Chicago)

Always appreciate the input, EK. What are your thoughts on BJ Upton? If he doesnt start hitting, I'm worried Maddon drops him from the leadoff spot and he'll lose even more fantasy value...

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

I could see that happening, too, because Zobrist seems like a good fit hitting second regularly, and Crawford could lead off. But it's premature to think that might happen. Upton should hit. Not for power, but he'll hit.

Eric (Virginia)

Nelson Cruz is on pace for 30(hr)-20(sb). Should be expect this production to continue?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

The power yes, but I doubt he steals that many bases. But 30 homers, sure.

Joe (Columbus, OH)

James Loney was just dropped in my 12 team roto league. I'd like to add him but I know I'm going to have to use my #1 waiver priority to grab him. Is Loney worth the waiver request or should I be waiting for something better? Please help, thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

A powerless first baseman who isn't going to win a batting title? I'd wait for something better.

jeremy(ohio)

I traded Markakis and Fransicso Cordero for Pujols. Solid?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Very much so. Pretty much any deal to get the best player in fantasy will be solid.

Commish in Need, Interweb

Hi EK, commish question for you. How do you handle completely inactive (sign up for teams and don't return to the league) teams? Bench their players, lock the teams, do nothing?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Don't invite them in the first place. OK, no, you can't compromise the "integrity" of the standings by benching them, but don't allow trades or free agents I guess. Most of all, just get them to be active. Appeal to their teamwork side.

Landon (Eugene, OR)

True or False - Slowey finishes top 15 SP this year

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I don't think any Twins pitcher was ticketed for top 15 this season, and nothing has changed. Slowey and Baker and Liriano have value, though.

Phil Hughes (Bronx, NY)

Which Phil Hughes is really me, the 1.2 IP 8ER or the 8 IP 0ER, 6K gem I spun last night?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Both are the real thing. That's the problem.

Gifford Ocean NJ..please help

Say Wieters gets off to an amazing start, he would have better trade value. Would you suggest trading Wieters and getting a ton of value or trading Martin? I think the question is do you like Wieters a lot more?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

I like Wieters more than Martin, but let's make it clear: ANY player is tradable if you get a good deal or get what helps your team win. Would I deal Wieters for Martin and a very good starting pitcher. Sure. It's all about value and your team is like a puzzle you have to put together.

Nate (Winsonsin)

You trust Pavano now? Seems to be back to the Marlin version.

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

I trust him like I do say ... Joe Blanton. How about that? I wouldn't trade for either one, but usable in deep leagues or spot starts, sure.

DB (Oakland)

buzzer beater: Dukes or Burrell once both are 'healthy"?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Gotta take the one who can steal a base.

JB (Brooklyn)

hey EK, love the Podcast. Nolasco was dropped in my 15-team roto league. Is his upside great enough that I should use the #1 waiver priority on him? thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

For that I might. He will be back and I think will pitch like he did a season ago. It's mechanical with him, has to be.

Eric(CO)

Ludwick will be back soon, do you expect him to hit 30 homers this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

I bet he gets really close.

Isaac (WI)

Twins fan here. I'm thinking that since Mauer's power has developed later in his career, could that be possible with Delmon Young too? I mean, this guy was minor league player of the year! Also, Tulo has flat out stunk. Will he turn it around in a big way?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

You didn't compare Mauer to Delmon, did you? Totally different swings. Delmon will develop power eventually, but who knows when. And I'm starting to wonder if Tulo's best season is already behind him.

Jeb (Boulder)

Thoughts on Brandon Phillips? Is this something he can play (well) through or is a DL trip inevitable?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

I wouldn't trade for a hitter with a busted finger.

wes

trade broxton for fuentes and zambrano?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

It's all about the saves. If you think Zambrano can win games, yep. I probably would.

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

OK, our time is up for today's chat. Thanks so much for the questions and enjoy your day. Two more chats are coming up on Thursday...